What did you do to your stereo rig today?

audioluvr

Threw in an old Carver 900 Receiver between my CA 851N and the loaner Hafler 500 I'm forced to use while my monos are getting a tuneup. I hate to say it but I actually like this WAY better than using the pre in the 851. The Hafler has so little bass compared to what I'm used to that I added the receiver just so I can use the loudness button feature. It also helped knock down some of the harshness that was killing me with the 500/851N combo. Bonus is the SDA effect is working again.

scottfox

I've been having trouble with my newly acquired SDA SRS3.2TLs in that there were very few songs that gave me the SDA Effect. Some suggested it was that my Pioneer 100wt receiver didn't have enough current to drive them. Well, I bought myself an early XMAS/Hanukkah present... Amazon had a Monolith USB DAC on sale for $52. WOW! The imaging and overall sound have improved dramatically. Like removing a veil. Very happy... Just wish i did it years ago. Listening to flac rips of some regular cds, MFSL cds, and some 96/24 downloads. Just amazing! Anyone else have similar results with a DAC? Was looking at the dragonfly when I saw this on sale... even cheaper now on Amazon. ELP, Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, SRV, Eagles, Steely Dan just sound amazing. Like a whole new system!

TEAforONE

I swapped out the 5ar4 rectifier tube to a 5U4GB,and a OD3 regulator to a OC3,in my Aric Audio Unlimited pre amp on the recommendation of an agon poster,and Aric. If you have one of these pre's,I highly recommended this swap. Pure magic.

mhardy6647

So, a 5U4 will have a slightly higher peak inverse voltage rating, but a higher voltage drop, and lower capacity to deliver power (i.e., lower plate current rating) compared to a 5AR4 -- I take it that the Aric Audio Unlimited (whatever that is) doesn't need the extra performance capabilities of a 5AR4? ...'cause if it does, it might not be very happy with a 5U4 in there(?)

https://300guitars.com/articles/rectifier-tube-voltage-drop-chart/
http://www.fourwater.com/files/fullrect.txt

Gardenstater

@scottfox Absolutely! The quality of DAC makes a huge difference and I'm assuming you went from the computer's soundcard's DAC to an external USB one, which is the biggest jump you will observe. Believe it or not, higher end external USB DAC's will result in further improvements in noise reduction, jitter reduction, musicality of presentation, etc.. I have a modest DAC compared to most people here (gotta start somewhere) with an iFi nano idsd DAC. I got a huge improvement by adding an iPurifier3 and, to a lesser extent, an iDefender with a low noise external iPower power supply. The iPurifier3 does what some much higher quality DAC's and higher end regenerators do in that it regenerates and reclocks the USB signal resulting in a much cleaner, smoother, and musical sound.

TEAforONE

mhardy6647 wrote: »

So, a 5U4 will have a slightly higher peak inverse voltage rating, but a higher voltage drop, and lower capacity to deliver power (i.e., lower plate current rating) compared to a 5AR4 -- I take it that the Aric Audio Unlimited (whatever that is) doesn't need the extra performance capabilities of a 5AR4? ...'cause if it does, it might not be very happy with a 5U4 in there(?)

https://300guitars.com/articles/rectifier-tube-voltage-drop-chart/
http://www.fourwater.com/files/fullrect.txt

That's why Aric had me replace the OD3,with an OC3,due to the voltage dip. Aric Audio is a small shop in MA. Reasonable price,high quality stuff. At least in my opinion.
The "Unlimited " is one of his preamps. If I could figure it out,I would post a link. It would make things so much easier.

TEAforONE

Here’s a quick pic of my pre.

mhardy6647

Don't know it/him.
http://aricaudio.com/tube_gear.php

For a preamp, which should have modest P/S demands, it probably doesn't matter what's in there... but the 5AR4 was a super-duper HV fullwave rectifier, developed for high-power, high-performance hifi (and fairly late in the vacuum tube era, too). Plus, good ones are 'spensive (and most of the current production 5AR4s are more or less junky). 5U4s are a dime a dozen (in fact, I can send you a couple if you want to play with -- and you're in the US Just PM me).

"We" sometimes substitute rectifiers with more voltage drop as a quick & dirty workaround to the typically higher AC mains voltage of today vs. the 1950s (it takes some of the strain off of vintage hifi components, which might otherwise push, e.g., output tubes too hard). Gee-tar amp buffs tend to like some sag in their amp
P/S, but they're into creative uses of distortion (and compression), which we generally like to avoid in hifi.

Still, lots of designers/builders out there with all kinds of ideas!
Pretty 'stiff' P/S design for what looks to be a pretty simple preamp -- I would guess the 5U4 loosens things up a bit and may well sound better.

EDIT: The photos on the site show a Sovtek 5AR4. Did you have a good one (vintage Mullard) in yours, or a current production 5AR4? If the latter, that may be why the 5U4 sounds better, too.




It is cool it has a built-in phono preamp for that low price.

joecoulson

Ivan??? Do tell

pitdogg2

joecoulson wrote: »

Ivan??? Do tell

Snitches get stitches I'll never give it up ...

What are we talking about ?

TEAforONE

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Don't know it/him.
http://aricaudio.com/tube_gear.php

For a preamp, which should have modest P/S demands, it probably doesn't matter what's in there... but the 5AR4 was a super-duper HV fullwave rectifier, developed for high-power, high-performance hifi (and fairly late in the vacuum tube era, too). Plus, good ones are 'spensive (and most of the current production 5AR4s are more or less junky). 5U4s are a dime a dozen (in fact, I can send you a couple if you want to play with -- and you're in the US Just PM me).

"We" sometimes substitute rectifiers with more voltage drop as a quick & dirty workaround to the typically higher AC mains voltage of today vs. the 1950s (it takes some of the strain off of vintage hifi components, which might otherwise push, e.g., output tubes too hard). Gee-tar amp buffs tend to like some sag in their amp
P/S, but they're into creative uses of distortion (and compression), which we generally like to avoid in hifi.

Still, lots of designers/builders out there with all kinds of ideas!
Pretty 'stiff' P/S design for what looks to be a pretty simple preamp -- I would guess the 5U4 loosens things up a bit and may well sound better.

EDIT: The photos on the site show a Sovtek 5AR4. Did you have a good one (vintage Mullard) in yours, or a current production 5AR4? If the latter, that may be why the 5U4 sounds better, too.




It is cool it has a built-in phono preamp for that low price.

I only used the Sovtek that Aric provided,so no experience with anything else. The 5AR4 was replaced with a 5U4GB. As I understand it,there is also a 5U4 (no GB)? He said DO NOT USE A 5U4. That he said would cause problems. Now you must know,I have about zero technical knowledge. I figured if the guy that built this suggested the swap,explained how I could make it happen,and also talked about how the sound might be effected. I figured I'd give it a whirl,and I'm glad I did.
The pre I have does not have a phono stage,as I already had one,and I run a mc cart. I found out about his gear on one of the other forums,and purchased one of his early pre's.(which I still own) I think his stuff sounds great,he's great to deal with,and I can actually afford some of his products!

mhardy6647

The 5U4GB is rated for 275 mA plate current, the GA was only rated for 250 mA, and the "G" ("G" stands for "Glass" -- there was no unsuffixed version per se and AFAIK), which was a 5Z4 with an octal base, was only rated for 225 mA.
Apparently there was a metal 5U4 'variant', but its type designation was 5T4.
http://www.fourwater.com/files/fullrect.txt

That's why the designer/builder says to use the GB if you're not going to use a 5AR4.

TEAforONE

Hey guys! @rocray , the 5U4GB (not 5U4 or 5U4G) can safely be used in the Unlimited as the first filter cap it requires can be no larger than 40uf, whereas the 5U4 is much lower (the Unlimited uses 33 uf). Using it will lower the B+ voltage just a bit, so just make sure the regulators light consistently. If you find they are going out, then use one OC3 and one OD3 when the 5U4GB is in place. I agree with Tube Power on his choice for a favorite 5U4GB. For 5AR4s I’ve only ever used new production- either the Sovtek, Tung Sol or Mullard reissues all sound really good! Best, Aric

Here was part of our conversation on Agon. This is all way above my pay grade.

mhardy6647

Ahh, so he uses a big input filter. That's the deal.
Thanks.

TEAforONE

At some point I'll try a different/better? 5AR4,but the 5U4GB,OC3 combo sounds so good.

treitz3

Started catching up on all of the new albums I have....one, right after the other.

Tom

TEAforONE

treitz3 wrote: »

Started catching up on all of the new albums I have....one, right after the other.

Tom

What have you been playing?

Nightfall

treitz3

TEAforONE wrote: »

What have you been playing?

Mark Knopfler, 3 new albums from Chris Stapleton, Eva Cassidy and a couple of new ones from Vince Gill. Enjoyable day.

Never knew Chris Stapleton until I heard him on the speakers at a bar while I was eating pizza. I heard something about "Tenesssee Whisky and Strawberry wine", so I looked it up on the phone while I was there 'cuz I really dug the song....or what I could hear of it. Daggum place was noisy!

Went home and played all CS songs on Tidal and got to liking his style and voice. Liked him so much, I bought three of his albums right off the bat. Glad I did.

Tom

joecoulson

CS is some good listening. Wish we had that in common when you were down.

Tony M

CS's "the Traveler" album won a ton of awards when it came out. I heard him sing and play during those award shows, liked it, and still want to get that CD for sure. I'm sure the others are just as nice. Talented fellow, he is!

Song-writer extraordinaire!

BlueBirdMusic

Vince Gill is not shabby either. He is a great guitar player.

Mike Reeter

BlueBirdMusic wrote: »

Vince Gill is not shabby either. He is a great guitar player.

Vince Gill is an extremely talented musician. Getting his start way back with Pure Prairie League.

At one time he was invited to join a little group called Dire Straits, but declined so he could continue his Solo Career, although he did set in on their final Studio Recording of 'On Every Street'.

He is the second guitar on 'Fade to Black' and 'You and your Friend' amount others.

mhardy6647

Mike Reeter wrote: »

BlueBirdMusic wrote: »

Vince Gill is not shabby either. He is a great guitar player.

Vince Gill is an extremely talented musician. Getting his start way back with Pure Prairie League.

I did not know that.

At one time he was invited to join a little group called Dire Straits, but declined so he could continue his Solo Career, although he did set in on their final Studio Recording of 'On Every Street'.

He is the second guitar on 'Fade to Black' and 'You and your Friend' amount others.

well, that's remarkable -- I mean, given that they were a bunch of Brits, bad dentition and all...
Mark Knopfler definitely has good taste -- he had Ruth Moody with him on at least one tour I loves me some Ruth Moody.




He (Gill) is a heck of a guitarist and an entertaining performer overall.

Mike Reeter

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Mike Reeter wrote: »

BlueBirdMusic wrote: »

Vince Gill is not shabby either. He is a great guitar player.

well, that's remarkable -- I mean, given that they were a bunch of Brits, bad dentition and all...
Mark Knopfler definitely has good taste -- he had Ruth Moody with him on at least one tour I loves me some Ruth Moody.




He (Gill) is a heck of a guitarist and an entertaining performer overall.

I guess seeing and hearing Gills reasons as to why he didn't join the group might tell the story.



And yes, Ruth Moody has the voice of an Angel. 'Wherever I Go' is probably my favorite track on 'Tracker'

dromunds

Ruth Moody coming round in my neck of the woods on March 12 - definitely attending.

mhardy6647

Her singing can reduce me to tears; listen to her soar as she pines "Calling all angels" near the end of the Wailin Jennys version of Jane Siberry's Calling All Angels on Live at Mauch Chunk Opera House. I am getting chills just typing this.

Ahem on topic -- the aforementioned Jennys' album sounds really good, too. Your hifi will thank you for playing it.

phipiper10

Unboxed a pair of RCA 6SN7GTB and Sylvania 6SN7GTB for the Rogue 99 pre.

verb

phipiper10 wrote: »

Unboxed a pair of RCA 6SN7GTB and Sylvania 6SN7GTB for the Rogue 99 pre.

Nice! Post some pics!

jumpindick

treitz3 wrote: »

Never knew Chris Stapleton until I heard him on the speakers at a bar while I was eating pizza. I heard something about "Tenesssee Whisky and Strawberry wine", so I looked it up on the phone while I was there 'cuz I really dug the song....or what I could hear of it. Daggum place was noisy!

Went home and played all CS songs on Tidal and got to liking his style and voice. Liked him so much, I bought three of his albums right off the bat. Glad I did.

Tom

Thanks for sharing. I did not hear about Chris Stapleton either till I saw your post. And like you, I really liked his voice and music.